HHS Class of 2018

Embracing new responsibilities was a recurring theme at Saturday’s Commencement Ceremony at Honesdale High School (HHS).

Consisting of 193 students, the 143rd graduating class took to the stage at 11 a.m.

Amid the wash of red and black gowns, students were accented with
sashes denoting academic honors and planned military service, red and
black braided cords showcasing those involved in the National Honors
Society Blood Drive, and, for the first time in HHS history, green and
white cords identifying students in the Wayne County 4-H Program.

Leading the speakers for the ceremony, Class of 2018 President, Julia Polt discussed the
increasing weight of decisions and responsibilities they’ve met in
growing up.

From
choosing ice cream flavors as children, to managing classroom tidiness
as they aged, Polt reminded the class of all the lessons in
responsibility instilled in them by their parents and teachers.

“As we look at each other today, some may wish we still simply had to
worry about whether to get chocolate or vanilla,” she said. “But what we
must remember is this: We can’t let all of our current responsibilities
and obligations hold us back from being the best we can be.”

Building on Polt’s message, Class Salutatorian, Emma Dunsinger, focused
her speech on the present responsibilities facing the class.

Recounting the amplification of their duties from Freshman year
through their senior year, each time prompted by a new uncertainty to
overcome, Dunsinger lauded her classmates in having persevered despite
it all.

Looking ahead
to the next stage of life, the Salutatorian stated, “It’s an unknown,
both exciting and nerve-wracking, and with it will come new
responsibilities.

However, I do believe that our experience at Honesdale High School has
given us the skills we need to navigate and fulfill the tasks required
of this unknown and we have

built the foundation for our future success by fulfilling the obligations we have now.”

Between musical interludes, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “From Now
On,” Class of 2018 Valedictorian, Tessa Vendetti, further spoke about
the unknown and upcoming responsibilities of the future.

Vendetti reminded the class that, venturing forth, they will be
stepping out from under the watchful eye of parents and teachers and
into a world where their responsibilities are their own.

“When we are faced with conflicts, we will have to determine for
ourselves what we believe and how we will act,” she explained.

The Valedictorian further noted as the class begins to provide for
themselves and the families they may eventually start, “In essence, we
will have to become our own parents.”

Vendetti reminded the class their responsibilities would soon include
not only caring for themselves and their families, but also revolve
around the duties incumbent upon good citizens and stewards of their
communities.

In doing so, to handle the tumultuous uncertainties
yet to come, Vendetti said, “It is best to be flexible. Ride the wave.
Roll with the punches. Our
duties may seem unmanageable at first glance, but they will become more
manageable with time.”

Commending the class for their achievement, Wayne Highlands School
District (WHSD) Superintendent Greg Frigoletto stated, “Whatever brought
you here, whether a rocky road or smooth sailing, you’re here. You have
that in common. You’ve made it! Every graduate will leave this
gymnasium today with a diploma in hand serving as the ticket to endless
possibilities.”

Keeping in mind all the duties yet to be thrust
upon the students as they enter the next stage of life, Frigoletto
cautioned each of them to find a healthy balance between work and
leisure.

In attempting to find balance, Frigoletto suggested the graduates make a list of priorities to keep in mind throughout life.

Finding balance “...must begin with knowing who you are and what’s ultimately important to you,” he said.

Presentation of Awards

HHS Principal Christopher Pietraszewski announced this year’s graduates
received a collective total of almost $4 million in scholarship
awards from institutions of higher learning.

The class also received nearly $124,000 from local and regional awards.

Presenting diplomas this year were WHSD Board of Education members,
Kathleen Grandjean, John Lowe, Gina Pritchard, and Brian Weist.